Brief Overview of προσδέχομαι (Strong’s G4327: prosdechomai)

Strong’s G4327: A compound verb combining pros (toward) with dechomai (to receive), meaning “to accept favorably, to welcome, to wait for expectantly.” Used in contexts of both hospitality and eschatological expectation, particularly regarding the anticipation of God’s promises and Christ’s return.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσδέχομαι embodies both active reception and expectant waiting. This dual meaning appears throughout the New Testament, from Joseph of Arimathea’s waiting for God’s kingdom to early Christians’ anticipation of Christ’s return. The compound structure emphasizes deliberate, forward-looking acceptance. Early church fathers frequently used this term to describe both Christian hospitality and eschatological hope. The word carries particular significance in discussions of Jewish expectations of the Messiah and Christian anticipation of Christ’s return. Today, it continues to express both the welcoming nature of Christian community and the forward-looking hope of believers.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσδέχομαι, prosdechomai, pros-DEK-oh-mai
• Pronunciation: Emphasis on ‘DEK’, with ‘pros’ quickly spoken, ‘mai’ unstressed
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρός (pros) – prefix meaning “toward”
• δέχομαι (dechomai) – root verb meaning “to receive, accept”
  The combination indicates welcoming reception or expectant waiting.

D – Defining Meanings

• To welcome or receive favorably
• To look for expectantly
• To accept or anticipate eagerly

For compound words:
The prefix πρός adds directional focus and intentionality, while δέχομαι provides the basic meaning of receiving or accepting. Together, they create a sense of purposeful, anticipatory reception.

Translation Options:

• “to welcome eagerly” – emphasizes the hospitality aspect
• “to wait expectantly” – captures the anticipatory nature
• “to receive readily” – reflects both acceptance and eagerness

E – Exploring Similar Words

• δέχομαι (dechomai, DEK-oh-mai) – to receive, without the forward focus
  See G1209
• ἀπεκδέχομαι (apekdechomai, ap-ek-DEK-oh-mai) – to await eagerly
  See G553
• ἐκδέχομαι (ekdechomai, ek-DEK-oh-mai) – to expect, await
  See G1551

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προσδέχομαι exhibits these morphological features:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect
• Voice: Middle/Passive Deponent
• Mood: Participle, Indicative
• Person: All
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous/Progressive

The deponent form indicates that while middle/passive in form, it has an active meaning. The present participle often describes an ongoing state of expectation or readiness to receive.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both welcoming hospitality and expectant waiting. Thayer’s notes its use in both immediate reception and future anticipation. LSJ provides evidence of its use in formal welcome ceremonies. Vine’s connects it to Christian hope and hospitality. Strong’s highlights the compound nature affecting the intensity of reception. LEH notes its use in expressing eager anticipation. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri evidence of its use in both official welcomes and personal expectations.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself [προσδεχόμενος] looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Mark 15:43

Additional References:
Luke 2:25
Luke 2:38
Acts 23:21
Titus 2:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσδέχομαι beautifully captures both the welcoming heart of God and the expectant hope of His people. Just as Christ welcomes all who come to Him, believers are called to welcome others while eagerly awaiting His return. The good news is that our welcoming God invites us into both present fellowship and future glory.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears in both the story of Simeon awaiting the Messiah and descriptions of Christians awaiting Christ’s return
2. It was commonly used in diplomatic contexts for formal receptions of ambassadors
3. The term bridges both Jewish messianic expectation and Christian eschatological hope

Strong’s G4327: A compound verb combining pros (toward) with dechomai (to receive), meaning “to accept favorably, to welcome, to wait for expectantly.” Used in contexts of both hospitality and eschatological expectation, particularly regarding the anticipation of God’s promises and Christ’s return.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: welcome, expectation, hope, hospitality, eschatology, reception, kingdom-of-God, messianic-hope, Christ’s-return, compound-verb, anticipation, Jewish-expectation, Christian-hope, divine-promises, waiting​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​